Sunderland Women's footballer Megan Beer is in a league of her own.
The 30-year-old defender is not just a hero on the pitch - she also saves lives in her job as a firefighter with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS).
Megan, from Crawcrook, has been playing for Sunderland since 2012 and had a key role in their promotion to the Women’s Super League in 2014. However, Megan had always wanted to be a firefighter and turned her childhood dream into a reality when she joined the fire service two years ago.
READ MORE: Join ChronicleLive's Whatsapp community for breaking news and top stories
Megan, who is based at Newcastle central fire station, said: "I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter even from a young age, and when the opportunity arose for me to pursue both of my passions side-by-side it was a dream come true.
“I got goosebumps the first time I was inside the fire appliance travelling through Newcastle city centre at night with the blue lights flashing on the way towards a real-life incident.
“The adrenalin pumps through your body on the way to a job. As it’s a dream come true helping to serve the people of my hometown in the place I grew up."
She continued: “When we are on shift it’s like a family. It’s a lot like playing football with the sense of closeness and aspects of teamwork, and where we’ve always got each other’s backs.”
Before joining Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, Megan had worked as a personal trainer, an administrator in a law firm, a car salesperson, and a football coach at Gateshead College.
Megan said she aims to keep playing football at the highest level possible alongside her role as a firefighter.
“My key aspirations for my career in the fire service is to enjoy every day, continue to learn, and to continue to help the local community as I grow as a firefighter," she said.
"As for football, the aim is to play for as long as I can at the highest level possible. Both careers work hand-in-hand, and both roles keep me quite fit as they are very physical jobs and hobbies to pursue.”
Watch manager Steven Walker, who oversees Megan’s team at TWFRS, said the service is proud of Megan’s achievements.
“Megan has developed into an accomplished and dedicated firefighter who is a key player for our Red Watch team at Newcastle central community fire station," he said.
"She has shown that devotion by successfully coming through the recruits’ course and finding her professional feet on station."
READ NEXT:
- Damaged Society closing down in Newcastle's Eldon Square for bigger city venue
- Driver taken to hospital after suffering 'medical episode' following crash in Walker
- Annual Tyne and Wear May Day rally draws crowds in Newcastle city centre as unions unite over cost of living crisis
- Sunderland man performed sex act over herring gull in bizarre attack that left magistrates shocked
